Best Non-Governmental Organization Policy Books of 2025

Unravel the mysteries of the MasonsAll the myths and rumors about Masonic organizations probably have you wondering "what do Masons really do?" Questions like this one are a natural by-product of being the oldest and largest "secret society" in the world. This book is an ideal starting place to find answers to your questions about the secret and not-so-secret things about Freemasonry.Now in its third edition, this international best-seller peeks behind the door of your local Masonic lodge and explains the meanings behind the rituals, rites, and symbols of the organization. Along the way the book covers nearly 3,000 years of Masonic history, introduces you to some famous Freemasons you already know from history books, and explains the relationship with related groups like Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star, and the beloved fez-wearing Shriners.Look inside the book to learn:What it takes to become a member of the Freemasons, and what you can expect when you joinHow Lodges are organized and what really goes on during Masonic ceremoniesThe basic beliefs and philosophies of Freemasonry, including how Masons contribute to charity, and society in generalThe origins behind some of the wild myths and conspiracy theories surrounding Freemasonry and how to debunk (most of) themWritten by a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason and the president of the Masonic Library & Museum of Indiana, Freemasons For Dummies is a must-read guide for anyone interested in this ancient fraternal order, whether you're looking to join or are just curious about some of the more mysterious aspects of Freemasonry.

The book "Systems Thinking For Social Change" by David Stroh is an essential guide for individuals engaged in social change. It provides an alternative to conventional thinking and offers practical guidance on how to incorporate systems thinking in problem solving, decision making, and strategic planning. Stroh's techniques have been used to tackle complex issues such as ending homelessness, improving public health, and resolving identity-based conflicts. The book is an excellent resource for donors, nonprofit leaders, and public policy makers who want to achieve lasting results and avoid unintended consequences. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to make a positive impact on society.

Decolonizing Wealth is a provocative analysis of the dysfunctional colonial dynamics at play in philanthropy and finance. Award-winning philanthropy executive Edgar Villanueva draws from the traditions from the Native way to prescribe the medicine for restoring balance and healing our divides.. Though it seems counterintuitive, the philanthropic industry has evolved to mirror colonial structures and reproduces hierarchy, ultimately doing more harm than good. After 14 years in philanthropy, Edgar Villanueva has seen past the field's glamorous, altruistic façade, and into its shadows: the old boy networks, the savior complexes, and the internalized oppression among the "house slaves," and those select few people of color who gain access. All these funders reflect and perpetuate the same underlying dynamics that divide Us from Them and the haves from have-nots. In equal measure, he denounces the reproduction of systems of oppression while also advocating for an orientation towards justice to open the floodgates for a rising tide that lifts all boats. In the third and final section, Villanueva offers radical provocations to funders and outlines his Seven Steps for Healing. . With great compassion--because the Native way is to bring the oppressor into the circle of healing--Villanueva is able to both diagnose the fatal flaws in philanthropy and provide thoughtful solutions to these systemic imbalances. Decolonizing Wealth is a timely and critical book that preaches for mutually assured liberation in which we are all inter-connected.

This book is a perfect gift for those who want to relive the year 1983. With over 200 iconic images and 25 vintage ads, it covers politics, leading events, crimes, movies, TV shows, music, sports, pop culture, fashion, technological advancements, and popular cars. The book offers a comprehensive yet digestible review of the year that shaped the world as we know it today. The beautiful presentation of photos on every page makes it a delightful read. Overall, it is a unique and unforgettable time travel experience that readers will enjoy.

This is the 10th Anniversary Edition of Mark Friedman's acclaimed book about Results-Based Accountability (RBA) also known in parts of the UK as Outcomes-Based Accountability (OBA). Over 75,000 copies sold and in use around the world. This is a "how to" book for government and nonprofit agencies working at the city, county, state, and national levels to improve community quality of life and the performance of program services. RBA is a common sense approach that replaces all the overly-complex and jargon-laden methods foisted on us in the past. The methods can be learned and applied quickly. And all the materials are free for use by government and non-profit organizations. In addition to providing practical methods, the book also makes a contribution to social theory by explaining the contribution relationship between program performance and community quality of life. As such it is a valuable tool for both program administrators and evaluators. The RBA framework has been used in all 50 U.S. states and numerous countries around the world. Additional information about RBA can be found on the FPSI website resultsaccountability.com and in the book sequel: Turning Curves, An Accountability Companion Reader. (For those who already have the 2005 or 2009 edition of Trying Hard Is Not Good Enough, please note that there is no change in the message and structure of RBA, and the 2005, 2009 and 2015 editions can be used concurrently.). "BOOK CLUB" or UNIVERSITY CLASS nine session approach:. Session 1: Prologue, Introduction and Chapter 1 (16 pages ):Session 2: Chapter 2: The Building Blocks of RBA: (22 pages):Session 3: Chapter 3: Population Accountability: (26 pages):Session 4: Run the Population Turn the Curve Exercise in TH Appendix ESession 5: Chapter 4: Performance Accountability: (32 pages)Session 6: Run the Performance Turn the Curve Exercise in TH Appendix ESession 7: Chapter 5: Putting Population and Performance together: (7 pages)Session 8: Chapter 6: Management Budgeting and Strategic Planning as a Single system: (21 pages)Session 9. Chapter 7: Implementation Issues and Challenges, Closing and Epilogue: (26 pages). In each session the agenda should be simple. “What did you learn?” “How could we use this?”The same method can be used for the essays in the Companion Reader.

The astonishing, uplifting story of a real-life Indiana Jones and his humanitarian campaign to use education to combat terrorism in the Taliban’s backyard Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

The Systems Thinker: Essential Thinking Skills For Solving Problems, Managing Chaos, and Creating Lasting Solutions in a Complex World (The Systems Thinker Series) is an informative guide that teaches readers about systems thinking and how to approach life from a new perspective. By understanding our role within systems and how they affect our lives, we can find better solutions to problems. The book covers systems archetypes, maps, models, and analytical methods, and helps readers identify and provide solutions to even the most complex problems. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for those looking to boost their observation and analytical skills and gain a more complex worldview.

Life Changing Choices: The 7 Essential Choices at the Heart of Transformational Change for Foster Youth and Your Community is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to consider a different approach to child welfare systems. At Just In Time For Foster Youth, the authors have seen firsthand how community and connection are essential to empowering young people and families. Through the voices and stories of those who have experienced foster care, the book explores how old assumptions and choices can be changed to replace negative outcomes with positive empowerment. This book is a must-read for anyone involved in child advocacy and family law.